Printing apparatus



Oct. 3l, 1939. J. Q SHERMAN PRINTING APPARATUS 8 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Dec. 14, 1936 ERINVENTOR. B

l TORNEYS.

Oct. 3-1, `1939. 1. Q. SHERMAN PRINTING APPARATUS Filed De c. 14, 1956 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 \Q m@ mm V m f j uw M ww f A @J :v W" O @q x Y, .WQ/l i(c m/ MQ M Q o; ,Ymm w C.. @x

Oct. 31, 1939. J. Q, SHERMAN I PRINTING AAPPARATUSy Filed Dec. 14, 1956 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 m N M T T Oct. 3l, 1.939.

.1. Q. SHERMAN 2,177,675

PRINTING .PPPRTUS4 Filed Dec. 14, 1936 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 W NV @N Li l/| im Q 5 I J N; Il! E /IH l ll N- Rg? HHIIHHHUUWI IT Q www Oct. 31, 1939- J. Q, SHERMAN PRINT ING APPARATUS 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Dec. 14, 1956 INVENTOR.

I @ya I WM wQfM-ORNEYS Oct. 3l, 1939. J, Q. SHERMAN 2,177,675

PRINT ING APPARATUS Filed Deo. 14 1956 8 sheets-sheet 6 Oct. 3l, 1939 J. Q. SHERMAN PRINTING APPARATUS.

Filed Dec. 14, 1936 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 WA TTORNEY Oct. 31, 1939.

J. Q. SHERMAN 2,177,675 PRINTING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 14, 1956 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 n. INVENTOR I MATTORNEY Patented Oct. 31, 1939 UNITED STATES. ,PATENT OFFICE ...RLPM

l 39 claims.

'This invention relates to printing apparatus, and more particularly to automatic mechanism for printing form letters, circulars and the like, employing therefor continuous web or series connected stationery' which, after the printing operation, is automatically sub-divided into successive sheets.

The present apparatus isiiesigned for use, in mercantile and industrial establishments for rapidly multigraphi'ng letters, bills andv circulars for whichcontinuous web printed stationary in roll or packet form shall have been previously prepared, although it may be employed for general type printing of hand bills circulars and forms.

The web of stationary is preferably pre-printed with a succession of vletterheads at spaced intervals, forms or other indicia, in predetermined relation with which successive letter print impressions are to be effected.

A continuously rotating drum carries the printing type which may be either directlyv inked lor operate through an overlying inked ribbon to effect an impression in a manner similar to the well known multigraphing machines. While the printing cylinder, of which only asmall portion ofthe periphery may be occupied by printing type, rotates continuously, the paper feeding mechanism is operated intermittently through ylil) step by step movement, the length of the steps being variable in accordance with the size of the desired printed sheet. Paper feed devices of positive character are employed, which preferably, though not necessarily,f are of the pin wheel type, the pins of which progressively engage in spaced marginal holes in the paper web. Subsequently to the printing operation the punched marginsof the printed web are trimmed oif and the web is transversely cut intermediate succeeding impressions into printed sheets.

'I'he object of the invention is to simplify the construction as well as the means and mode of operation of continuous web printing apparatus whereby it will not only be cheapened in construction, but will be more emcient in operation, automatic in action, rapid, accurate and uniform in production of printed material, and unlikely to get out of repair.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved form of dierential' actuating means for the printing cylinder and the paper web f eeding apparatus whereby the paper is advanced in unison with the rotation of the printing cylinder during the impression making interval whether such be long or short and be given further'advance movement either in advance or subsequent to the impression contact of the cylinder, the

extent of lsuch advance movement being entirely independently of the movementof the cylinder to afford a sheet length of predetermined extent. A further object of the invention-is to provide in combination with such printing apparatus, a

positive feed mechanism for the paper web, and

to provide slitting means for removing marginal portions of the web employed for feeding Dulflu poses subsequently to the printing operation.

A further object of the invention is to provide a compact, inexpensive apparatus* adapted foruse in commercial and mercantile establishments and which maybe operated by unskilled persons.

With theabove primary and other incidental lobjects in view as will more fully appear in the specification, the invention consists of the features of construction, the parts and combinations thereof, and the mode of operation, or their equivalents, as hereinafter described and set forth in the claims.

Referring to the accompanying drawings wherein are shown the preferred, but obviously not the only form of embodiment of the invention, Fig. l is a side elevation of the assembled apparatus. Fig. 2 is a top plan view thereof. Fig. 3 is an enlarged detail sectional view on the longitudinal medial line looking upwardly in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a similar enlarged detail sectional 30 view looking in the reverse direction. Figs. 5 and 5a are transverse sectional views in the axial plane of the printing cylinder. Fig. 5a is an enlarged view showing the driving connection between the printing cylinder actuating means and the printing cylinder. Fig. 6 is a detail view of a chain belt paper feed device. Figs. 7- and 8 are top and side elevations of the paper feed chain. Fig. 9 is a detail view of a further modification of the paper feeding means. Figs. l'and n 11 are detail views of the auxiliary or signature printing roller. Figs. 12 and 13 arev perspective lviews illustrating the successive operations performed upon the paper web, Fig. 12 illustrating the paper punched for pin wheel or chain feeding t5 operation, while Fig. 13 illustrates the paper punched for use with the feeding device lillustrated in Fig. 9. Fig. 14 illustrates a modified form of web material and'feeding perforations.

Figs. 15 and 16 are top plan and side velevations of 50 i movements proportionate to the length of the the material from thevsupply roll. Fig. 19 is a detail View of the adjustable drive mechanism for such auxiliary feeding device. Figs. 20 and 21 are perspective views of the paper strips which have been partially cross cut during the initial imprinting operations preparatory to being passed through the present apparatus, whereby the severance oil marginal strips containing feed holes will automatically eifect'division of the strip into successive sheets. Fig. 20 discloses a succession of closely spaced marginal holes while Fig. 21 shows more widely spaced marginal holes, one in each succeeding form. Fig. y22 is'a perspective View of a supplypacket of a zig-zag folded material which may be substituted for a supply roll.

Like parts are indicated by similar characters of\reference throughout the several views.

The apparatus forming the subject matter hereof as illustrated in the drawings is mounted upon and between parallel side frames I-I mounted upon a base 2 and interconnected at spaced intervals by suitable tie bars.

The web of continuous series connected sta tionery is supplied from a roll 3 journaled on the .frame I at one end of the apparatus from which the web passes over a guide roll 4, thence over a guide table 5 and between the printing cylinder 6 and a coacting .platen 1 having operating contact through a suitable opening inthe table.

Beyond the printing cylinder the web passes beneath a signature imprinting roll 8, which may, however, be employe/d for other printing impressions in differently colored ink or in locations upon the web outside the impression area of the printing cylinder 6. Continuing its course over the table 5', the marginally punched web is engaged by pin W el feed devices 9 by which the web is positiv y advanced through successive finished sheets, the extent of which is variable at will.

the rotating cylinder 6 with the paper against vthe platen roll 1 would ordinarily besuii'lcient'to insure unison travel of separate sheets of paper web when properly fed so long as the impressioncontact is maintained on a single form. It is diesired, however, to' advance a paper web drawn from a roll of continuous forms, a selected predetermined distance at each'operation sufficiently to compensate for the portion of the sheet occupied by the letter head and a suitable space at ther end and preceding the imprinted matter to afford, to the printedzletter or form, a presentable balanced appeararrce and uniform length. This feeding motion of the paper web thereforr varies in extent according with the size of the ultimate printed sheet, the extent of the letter head area and that used for balancing the imprint material on the sheet. Any slight differential or error of the -feeding movement which wouldbe quite unnoticeable on sheets singly fed would be accumulative on continuous'web material and after a few impressions such differential would become quite serious.

In order to. secure accurate registry upon succeeding sheets, it is therefore Inecessary that the advance of the material intermediate the impresweb, minus its punched margins, is transversely 'divided\k at regularly spaced intervals by a chopper type of cutter I I.

Power is appliedl through the maindrive shaft i2 (beneath the printing cylinder which carries a gear pinion I3 meshing with a corresponding pinion I4 upon the platen roll 1. The platen roll pinion meshes with a large gear wheel I5 fixedly connected to the printing cylinder 6 and rotating in unison therewith. The printing cylinder is thus given continuous rotary motion, always in the same direction, The printing cylinder gear I5 operating through a gear pinion I6 drives a gear I1 upon a transverse shaft I8 which, at the opposite side of the apparatus, carries a rotary.

cam I9. 'I'he cam I9 operating through a pitman 20 having a roller 2| traveling'in the cam. slot 22 oscillates to and fro a pivoted gear sector 23. The gear sector 23 'intermeshes with a small gear pinion 24 loose upon the printing cylinder shaft 25 and connected througha friction clutch 26 with an oscillating disc 21 also loosely journaled upon the printing cylinder shaft 25 for free to and fro oscillation. The oscillatory disc 21 is peripherally grooved to receive relatively adjustable stops 28 of which there are two slidingly adjustable in the peripheral groove and are adapted to'be locked in their adjusted positions. The periphery of the disc is preferably, though not necessarily, serrated to receive and hold the stop lugs 28 which are similarly serrated' for interlocking engagement. 'I'hese stop 'lugs 28 contact with limiting stops 30 and 3I respectively, upon the frame of the apparatus at the limit of the oscillatory movement of the disc in either direction. The extent of. such oscillatory motion. is determined by the relative positions of the adjustable stop lugs 28. The engagement of such lugs with the 'fixed stops 30 and 3Iv limits the* oscillation of the disc and any differential movement of the actuating gear sector 23 is compensated for by slippage of the friction clutch 2S. 'I'hus while the actuating gear sector describes-a full stroke motion at each operation, 4the disc 21 moves in unison therewith through a portion only of such stroke until arrested by engagement of one or the other pair of stop lugs, whereupon the gear sector 23 continues its movement rotating thegear pinion 24 idly by slipping the clutch 23.

'Il'he oscillatory disc carries a pawl 32 at its inner side, engaging with ar ratchet wheel 33 also loosely journaled upon the printing -cylinder shaft 25,

with which is flxedly connected for .unison rotal unison with the oscillation of the disc 21 and gear sector 23 in one direction but remains at rest in its advanced position during retrograde movement of such parts. 'I'he degree of `motion transmitted tothe gear wheel 34 at each actuating movement is determined by the relative spacing of the limiting stops 28 upon the oscillatory disc. Thus the continuous-motion of the driving mechanism is transformed into intermittent mption of the paper feed devices, the extent of which may be varied to accommodate letters, bills or forms of different length.

y 'I'he intermittently operated gear wheel 34 is operatively connected through a train of idler gears 35, 36, 31, 38, 39 and 40 with a gear wheel 4I 'upo'ri a shaft carrying the pin wheel feed devices 9. to which -intermittent motion is thus transsuch unison movement is not continuous and the paper web-comes to lrest while the cylinder continues to rotate to present the type form in position for the succeeding printing impression upon the web.

The peripheral pins of the pin wheel feed devices 9 project through registering slots in the feed table 5 into feeding engagement with the marginal holes in the paper web. The feed table is preferf ably divided and the section contiguous to the pin wheels is pivotally mounted to afford access to such wheels. The web is maintained in feeding engagement with the pins by an overlying keeper plate 43 which is slotted at 44 for the passage of the feeding pins in their rotary travel. The keeper plate 43 is carried upon swinging arms 45 pivoted at 46, one of which is provided with a peripherally notched head 41 for engagement of a detent 48 by which 'the keeper plate is supported in slightly elevated relation above the feeding table lto minimize friction. The pivotal mounting of the keeper plate enables it to be turned to an inoperative position to facilitate insertion and initial adjustment of the paper web upon the pin wheels 9. Y y

Located beyond the feeding wheels 9 are parallel spaced trimming discs Ill cooperating with a platen roller 50 between which the paper web advances, and by which the punched margins of the web are simultaneously trimmed off. The cutters or trimming discs I6 are adjustably mounted on swinging arms 5| and adjusted relative to the platen roll by the adjusting screw 52. Idler rollers 49 are mounted 'adjacent to the trimming discs l0 andvhold the paper web on the platen 50.

Finally the advancing paper web is engaged by a transverse cutter by which it is divided at spaced intervals into succeeding separate sheets, each of which bears the imprint of the type or marking devices carried by the printing cylinder in accurately predetermined position upon the `sheet which may also bear a previously printed letter head or other data or indicia.

The transverse cutter may be of various forms, a quite simple construction consists of a stationary cutter bar 53 mounted upon the main frame with which cooperates a sweep 54 carrying' a coacting transverse cutter bar Il. rSuch sweep arms are adjustably carried upon the rev- 'oluble shaft 56 upon which is mounted a driven gear 51 to'which motion is transmitted by idler gears 58 and 49 forming a continuation of the gear train operating the pin wheel feed devices. Being operated through'the same driving train the cutter functions in timed relation with the web feeding devices. Sheets of different length are accommodated by adjusting the sweep arms to different radial .positions about the shaft thereby changing the timed relation of the cutter knife. 4

The preferred form of cutter comprises. a head 66 slidingly mounted upon guide rods 6i supported in a cross bar 62 of the main frame and projecting longitudinally therebeyond. The guide rods are preferablyl provided with rack teeth 63 for engagement of pinions carried by the head and rotatable by the crank 64 to slidingly ad- A ing relation therebetween.

just the cutter head. Mounted in the cutter head 66 is a vertically sliding knife bar 65 carrying a cutter blade 66, the cutting edge of which is upturned for cooperation with a second knife 61 stationarily carried upon the head 6l).A The paper web is progressively advanced between such knives. The sliding knife bar 65 is normally held f retracted by a spring 68 and is guided between the rear side of the head 60 and an adjustable bearing or guide plate 69 mounted upon the head.

The movable knife 66 has an upwardly projecting guide or lead finger 16 overlapping the end of the stationary knife 61 to insure proper slid- The sliding knife 66 is actuated against the tension of its retracting spring by a pivoted lever plate 1I engaging with a stud 12 on the knife bar 65 and in turn oscillated by a bell crank lever 13. The cell crank lever is connected by a link 14 with a rock armA 15 slidingly adjustable on a rock shaft 16 extending longitudinally of the machine. At its opposite end the rock shaft carries a similar rock arm 11 connected by a similar link with a small cam arm 18 which is engaged by a roller stud upon the cam i9' at each rotation of the cam which actuates the gear sector 23, thereby transmitting to the shaft 16 intermittent rocking motion. The shaft and rock arm 15 are splined for relative adjustment longitudinally of the shaft in unison with the adjustment of the cutter head 60, as may be necessary to accommodate sheets of diierent sizes. The links 14 are provided with double pivotal or universal joints to enable them to cornpensate for rocking motion of the respective oonnected arms in different planes.

While the pin wheel feed devices 9, before described, are preferred for intermittently advancing the paper web, in lieu thereof enlarged pin wheels 19 may be mounted concentrically with the printing cylinder upon the cylinder shaft 25 and connected with the intermittently operated gear wheel 34 for unison rotation. In such case one such enlarged pin wheel is provided at each side of the printing cylinder. These pin wheels are interconnected for unison rotation with the intermittently actuated large gear 34. If such enlarged pin wheel feed devices are employed, the smaller pin wheels 9, before described, are omitted and vice versa.

As a further modification chain belts 86 shown in Figs. 6, 7 and 8 may bel substituted for the pin wheels 9. In such case the traveling chain belt may be located at the present position of the pin wheels 9, but is preferably located immediately beneath the printing cylinder. In such position it is actuated by sprockets 8| upon the platen roll shaft I4 immediately beneath the cylinder. The studded feeding chain is guided over idler sprockets 82 located in spaced relation on opposite sides of the actuating sprocket 6l. The feeding table is slotted at 86 to accommodate the feeding chains 89, the studs of which engage marginal holes punched in the paper web. By use of. the chain the marginal feeding holes may be located at greater distances apart.

In Fig. 9 there is shown a friction feed mechanism comprising a series of relatively adjustable overlapping sectors 169 which cooperate with a friction roll HIJ to advance the paper web, the extent of advance being determined by the adjustment of the sectors. B y relatively adjusting the sectors and securing them in such adjusted positions, the periphery of the feeding device may be extended or contracted. The paper is advanced by being frictionally engaged between the periphery of the sectors of the feeding device and the coacting friction roll. A single stud or feeding pin III carried by one of the sectors operatively engages in spaced feeding holes in the paper to insure the initiation of advance movement in proper time with the printing devices. l This feeding means is shown and described in patent to Sherman No. 1,529,555, and, per se, forms no part of the present invention except in combination with associated parts.

In printing form letters it is quite desirable to imprint a facsimile signature in differently colored ink, or-it is sometimes desirable for emphasis to print fill ins of different color. For this purpose there is provided an auxiliary printing mechanism.

The continuously rotating cylinder gear I5 intermeshes with an idler pinion 84 transmitting motion to a gear 85 upon a transverse shaft 86, upon which is mounted for rocking motion an eccentric sleeve 81. Journaled upon the eccentric sleeve 81 is the auxiliary printing roller 8 bearing impression plates or type as may be required. The printing roller is operatively connected with the drive shaft 86 for unison rotation by compensating coupling heads 89-90.. The head 89 is fast upon the shaft 86 and has in its lateral face diametrically opposite radial slots 89' within which engage splines or lugs on the floating collar 90 which also is provided with similar diametrically opposite radial slots 90 disposed in right angle relation with the slots 89 of the fixed collar 89. The radial slots of the fioating collar are engaged by vsplines or lugs upon the end of the printing roller 8 to rotate suchI roller about the stationary eccentric sleeve 81. The eccentricity of the driving and driven rotating members is compensated for by a lateral shifting adjustment of the floating collar 90 relative to the xed collar 89 and the roll 8 with both of which it is slidingly engaged for transverse motion, the motion relative to the respective members being at right angles.

The eccentric sleeve 81 is normally so positioned that the roller rotates in an elevated idle position above the level of the paper. By rocking the eccentric sleeve 81 about the drive shaft 86, the roller is lowered into impression contact with the paper web without, however, interfering with its rotation. To rock the eccentric sleeve inproper timed relation there is provided on the endof the shaft 86 opposite the driving gear 85, a small gear pinion 9| intermeshing with a gear wheel 92 having therein a cam groove 93 within which engages a roller upon an oscillatory .lever 94,0perable against the tension of a retracting spring 94. The cam is so shaped that the lever is held stationary first in one position and then in anothery position while the gear and cam continue to rotate. The cam is so shaped that the lever is held in one position through a much greater time interval than in its other The lever 94 is connected by a link f position. 95 with a rock varm 96 upon the eccentric sleeve 86. As the lever 94 is oscillated from its normal position to its operated position in which it is temporarily held by the cam, it actuates the rock arm 96 thereby turning the eccentric sleeve to lower the printing roller into impression making contact with the paper web. v

The gear train is so proportioned that the printing roller may make several rotations in its inoperative position before being lowered into impression making contact by actuation of the lever -multigraphing purposes.

from the auxiliary printing roller shaft 86. 5

The printing cylinder is preferably, though not necessarily, of the type commonly employed for It consists of spacedI heads |02 and |03 upon which is removably mounted a semi-circular slotted type chase |04 Within the slots of which the printing type are assembled. The chase is held upon the heads by a hook |05 having locking engagement with the cylinder shaft 25. The respective heads |02 and |03 carry mounting means |06 and automatic feeding mechanism |01 for supply and receiving rollers I 08 upon which is carried an ink ribbon or apron II2 extending around the periphery of the cylinder and over the type body or printing plate. The impression is effected through such inked apron in the manner well known in duplieating apparatus. It is obvious, however, that the ink fountain as is customary in printing appa- 1'..

ratus and as shown'in association with the auxiliary or signature printing roller. The particular detail construction of the type chase and ink ribbon or apron feeding mechanism forms no part, per se, of the present invention. :l In lieu of marginally punched paper as before described, the paper web may be medially punched at spaced intervals for engagement of feeding devices as shown at |I3 in Fig. 14 in which case instead of trimming off punched marginal strips, 3 the cutter is provided with double spaced blades which sever the web on spaced transverse lines I I4 at opposite sides of the feeding holes I I3, thus removing a transverse punched strip between suceeding imprinted sheets. In such construction one cutter blade severs the imprinted sheet from the web and the second blade trims the intermediate punched feeding portion from the advance end of the web. i

The use of the present apparatus enables the 4 rapid, accurate and economical production of multi-form letters, circulars and other printing operations. By employing stationery preprinted in roll form a great saving in material and printing cosi-s is effected. The present apparatus accu- 5 rately positions its impressions with the prior imprints upon the roll material, and the positive paper feeding means automatically and continuously maintains such relation. The work can be performed more rapidly and less expensively than is possible with the usual more expensive duplicating machines requiring feeders for flat forms. While the printing of successive impressions upon continuous web material is quite common, ordinarily a slight variation in the spacing of successive impressions is quite immaterial.

-The present material being preprinted with accurate registry which would otherwise be un- 70 necessary if printing upon blank webs. Likewise the letterheads, forms or other matter, preprinted upon the web, must be accurately spaced.

In order that the synchronized feeding and imprinting mechanism may be relieved of tension 1 supply roll vairae'ns material from a heavy supply roll 3, an auxiliary pin type roller II5 may be provided above the l 3, the pins IIB of which have progressive engagement `With the marginally punched holes the strip of material. This pin type roller is actuated from the drive gear I1l by `a variable frictional drive mechanism.

As shown in Figs. 18 and 19 there is journaled in brackets II| up on the side frame I of the apparatus a revoluble shaft I |8 having at its upper end a bevel gear pinion meshing with a corresponding gear pinion on the shaft of the roller I I5. A friction wheel |I9 having driving engagement with the shaft II8 project through an opening in the .-side frame into engagement with thev driving gear The friction wheel and its mounting are adjustable longitudinally of the shaft and radially toward and from the center of the gear I`| by an adjusting screw |20. To enable adjustment of the friction wheel toward the compensate for wear and maintain requisite driving pressure, the wheel-...I I9 is loosely journaled upon an eccentric bushing surrounding the shaft. The bushing is revolubly adjustable thereon by means of an adjusting lever I2I operative in an arcuate slot |22 of a segment plate |23 carried by the wheel mounting. vA nut |24 serves to hold the bushing in its adjusted position. The friction wheel thus rotatesv about an axis somewhat eccentric with that ofthe shaft IIB. Secured to the shaft immediately beneath the wheel for unison rotation is a disc like collar |25 having, therein a radial ,slot |26 into which projects a driving stud carried by the wheel. Thus the disc |25 and shaft ||8 are rotated in unison with the eccentrically positioned friction wheel.

While t e strip feeding mechanism synchronized wit the imprinting means is intermittently actuated, theauxiliary feeding. roller II5 is continuously driven t'o draw from the roll a. supply of material which droops in a loose bight or loop |21 intermediate the auxiliary feeding roller and the imprinting devices and associated synchronized feeding means. The speed of the auxiliary roller is timed, by adjustment of the friction wheel, to maintain ample slack or excess material inthe loop`|2'|, from which the material passes to the imprinting and feeding apparatus.

While-as before described, the material may be transversely severed into succeeding sheets by a cutter operating in synchronismA with the imprintingy and feeding apparatus, such cutter may be omitted and the strip of material may be partially severed at spaced intervals before being fed to the present apparatus. In Figs. and 21v the strip material is shown as comprising a succession of sheets interconnected only contiguous to their side margins. Between each succeeding form of sheet is a transverse cut |28 which terminates in spaced relation with the side edges. After the strip has passed through the machine its engagement with the trimmers will detach such marginal strips von lines intersecting the cross cutssubstantially coincident with the ends thereof thus freeing succeeding forms or sheets from each other. Although a continuoussuccession of spaced holes are preferably provided in the margins of' the strip material as shown in Fig. 20, a lesser number bf more widely spaced feed holes may be provided as shown in`Flg. 21.

Whether cross'cut between succeeding forms as shown in Figs. 20 and 21 or continuous as shown .in Figs. 12, 1 3 and 18, the-'material may be reversely folded into packet form preferably al;`

gear I1 to spaced intervals, coincident with the lines upon which the material is to be subsequently severed, as shown in Fig. 22.4

The present arrangement of parts and control of the feeding andj imprinting means enables the use of printing plates of different length, and hence engageable through greater or less portions of the cycle the positive feeding means is adjust-.- able for different lengths of forms anddoes not operate continuously at the same rate of speed as the printing cylinder. Obviously, during such period as the printing cylinder is in contact with the web to which it imparts a simultaneous frictional feeding'impulse, the feeding means must be synchronized therewith, but during the intervening intervals the feeding device may be differentially operated either at a reduced or in- -creased speed, or it may be operative during a -portion of the intervening interval between succeeding impressions and at rest during the remainder of the intervals. The necessary extent of feeding movement is that portion of the form upon which the imprinting device operates plus suflicient additional movement necessary lto advance the web during non-printing-intervals to present the succeeding impressionreceiving area in position for engagement of the imprinting device. Q v

Cross reference is made to copending companion applications Serial No. 116,552, filed December 18, 1936, Serial No. 226,670, filed August 25, i938, and Serial No. 279,341, filed June 15, 1939.

From the-above description it' will be apparent that there is thus provided a device of the character described possessing the particular features of advantage before enumerated as desirable, but which obviously is susceptible of modification in its form, proportions, detail construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the principle involved or sacrificingl any of its advantages. While in order to comply with the statute. the invention has been described in language more or less specific ,as to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, but that the means and construction herein 'disclosed comprise the preferred form of several modes of putting the invention into effect and the invention is therefore claimed in any ot its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. A strip feeding and imprinting apparatus wherein a length of impression receiving material having therein marginally disposed longitudinally spaced feed holes vis periodically advanced through a st ep by step movement past an imprinting position of such apparatus to receive imprinted legends thereon at predetermined spaced intervals by a pin type feeding device including an endless traveling series` of strip engaging pins progressively engageable in succeeding longitudinally spaced holes in the strip, characterized by an impression making apparatps for impressing the web of material while being fed by said traveling pin feed devices. trimming means for removing the marginal portionsfrom the web containing the longitudinally spaced holes in seriatim with the impression apparatus, and a transverse cutter'dividing the printed and trimmed webinto successive sheets.

, 2. A strip feeding and'imprlnting apparatus wherein a lr ogth of impression receiving material hvingthe in marginauy disposed iongitudinauy gaging pins progressively engageable in succeedl ing longitudinally spaced holes in the strip, characterihzed by a trimmer for removing portions of the web engaged by the feeding means, and a cutter for/severing succeeding printed portions from A the web.

3. A strip feeding and imprinting apparatus wherein a length of impression receiving material having therein longitudinally spaced feed holes is periodically advanced through a step by step movement past an imprinting position of such apparatus to receive imprinted legends thereon at predetermined spaced intervals by a pin type feeding device including an endless traveling series of strip engaging pins progressively engageable in succeeding longitudinally spaced holes in the strip, characterized by actuating means for transmitting to the impression apparatus continuous operation and for transmitting to the web feeding means intermittent operation, and means fory varying the extent of the positive web feeding operation independently of the operation of the impression apparatus.

4. A strip feeding and imprinting apparatus wherein a length of impression receiving material having therein marginally disposed longitudinalthrough a step by step movement past an imprinting position of such apparatus to receive imprinted legends thereon at predetermined spaced intervals by a pin type feeding device including an endless traveling series of strip engaging pins progressively engageable in succeeding longitudinally spacedholes in the Tstrip, characterized by trimming means for longitudinally slitting .the web to remove the margins at a point within the line of longitudinally spaced holes after passing the feeding means, and a cutter for vtransversely severing successive lengths of printed and trimmed material from the web.

5. A strip feeding and imprinting apparatus wherein a length of impression receiving material having therein longitudinally spaced feed holes is periodically advanced through a step by step movement past an imprinting position of such imprinted legends thereon at predetermined spaced intervals by'a pin type feeding device including .an endless traveling series of strip engaging pins progressively engageable in succeeding longitudinally `spaced holes in the strip, characterized by a rotary printing cylinder. and differential actuating means for operating the web feeding -during'the remainder of the rotation of the cyl-Y inder. and a cutter for severing successive lengths of printed material from the web.

6. A strip feeding and imprinting apparatus' wherein alength of impression receiving material having therein longitudinally spaced feed holes is periodically advanced through a step .by step feeding device including an-endless traveling series of strip engaging pins progressively engageable in succeeding longitudinally spa'cedholes in the strip, characterized by a rotary printing dekyacterized by a trimming vice for impressing the webat spaced intervals, and differential driving means for the feeding means for advancing the web in unison vwith the printing device during a portion of the travel movement thereof and thereafter arresting the advance of the web during the remainder of the travel movement ofthe printing device, and a cutter for severing successive lengths of printed material from the web. I

'7. A strip feeding and imprinting apparatus wherein a length of impression receiving material having therein marginally disposed longitudinally spaced feed holes is periodically advanced through a step by step movement past'an imprinting position of such apparatus to receive imprinted legends spaced intervals by a pin type feeding device including an endless traveling series of strip en'- gaging pins progressively engageable in succeeding longitudinally spaced holes in the strip,

thereon at predetermined repetitiously engaging the, traveling web, means .for actuating the web feeding means diiferentially with the impression making device, and a cutting device for cutting printed lengths of predetermined extent from said web.

8. The herein described method of producing duplicate printed -forms from a length of impression receiving material having therein marginally disposed longitudinally spaced holes, consisting in progressively feeding a web of impresY` sion receiving material past an impression making apparatus by a pin type feeding device including on endless series of stripengaging pins progressively engageable in succeeding longitudinally spaced holes in thestrip, longitudinally slitting the web to remove its marginal edges containing the longitudinally spaced holes, and transversely dividing the printed and trimmed web into a succession of printed sheets.

9. The herein described :method of producing duplicate printed forms from a length of impression receiving material having therein marginally disposed longitudinally spaced holes, consisting in progressively feeding.the^strip past an impression making apparatus by a pin type feeding device including an endless series of strip engaging pins progressively engageable in succeeding longitudinally spaced holes in the strip, longitudinally slitting .the web of material to remove the margins and the longitudinally spaced holes therein and subsequently transversely cutting the printed and trimmed web into a succession of sheets. j

10. A strip feeding and impiiinting apparatus wherein a length of impression receiving material having therein marginally' disposed longitudinally spaced feed holes is periodically advanced through a step by step movement past an imprinting position of such apparatus to receive imprinted legends thereon at predetermined spaced intervals by a pin type feeding device including an endless traveling series of strip engaging pins progressively engageable in succeeding longitudinally spaced holes inthe strip, char- .means for removing from the web the portion having therein longitudinally spaced holes engaged by the feeding apparatus. f

1l. A strip feeding and imprinting apparatus wherein a length of impression receiving material having therein longitudinally spaced feed holes is periodically advanced through a step by step movement past an imprinting position' of mich apparatus to receive imprinted legends at predetermined spaced intervalsby a '-thereon at predetermined spaced intervals by a pin type feeding device including anl endless traveling series of strip engaging pinsprogressively engageable in succeeding longitudinally spaced holes in the strip, characterized by means for actuating the impression making apparatus and the web feeding device differentiallyfor presenting the web material in predetermined registering relation with the printing apparatus at each operation thereof.

12. A strip feeding and imprinting apparatus wherein a length of impression receiving material having therein longitudinally spaced feed holes is periodically advanced through a step by step movement past an imprinting position of such apparatus to receive imprinted legends thereon pin type feeding device including an endless traveling series of strip engaging pins progressively engageable in succeeding longitudinally spaced holes in' the strip, characterized by means for actuating feeding device to register predetermined portions of the web with the impression making apparatus. v

13. A strip feeding and imprinting apparatusE whereina length of impression receiving mate-j rial having therein longitudinally spaced feed holes is periodically advanced through a step by step movement past an imprinting position of suchv apparatus to receive imprinted legends thereon at predetermined spaced intervals byv a pin type feeding device including an endless 'traveling series of strip engaging pins progressively engageable in succeeding longitudinally spaced holes in the strip, characterized by actuating means for intemittently operating the web feeding device through steps of variable extent, and means for varying the feeding movement of said device.

14. A strip feeding and imprinting apparatus wherein a succe on of printed forms connected end to end in c ntinuous succession and having -therein longitudinally spaced feed holes are to be' additionally imprinted in predetermined relation with the previously printed matter and are periodically advanced through a step by step vmovement past an imprinting position of such apparatus to receive imprintediegends thereon at predetermined spaced intervals by a pin type feeding device, including an' endless traveling series of-strip engaging pins progressively engageable in succeeding longitudinally spaced holes .in the forms, characterized by actuating means for diierentially actuating the imprinting and feeding devices to insure registry of the previously` printed forms in predetermined relation with the x imprinting device.

15. A strip fe ding and imprinting apparatus wherein a succe ion of printed forms connected end to end in continuous succession and having therein longitudinally spaced feed holes are to be additionally imprinted in predetermined relation with the previously printed matter and are periodically advanced through a step by step movement past an imprinting positionofsuch apparatus to receive imprinted legends thereon at predeterlznined` spaced intervals by a pin type ,feeding device including an endless traveling.

series of strip engaging pins progressively engageable in succeeding longitudinally spaced holes in the forms, characterized by actuating means for intermittently operating the feeding device for presenting the preprinted forms successively in position to receive further imprint from said imprinting device.

16. A strip feeding and imprinting apparatus wherein a succession of printed forms connected end to end in continuous succession and having therein longitudinally spaced feed holes are to be additionally imprinted in predetermined relation with the previously printed matter and are Aperiodically advanced through a step by step 'holes in the forms, characterized by actuating means common to the imprinting and feeding ldevices, said means operating the imprinting device through a continuous cycle and operating the feeding device intermittently in unison with the imprinting device.

17. A strip feeding and imprinting apparatus wherein a succession of printed therein longitudinally spaced feed holes are to be additionally imprinted in predetermined relation with the previously printed matter and are periodically advanced through astep by step movement past an imprinting position of such apparatus to receive imprinted legends thereon at predetermined spaced intervals by `a pin type feeding device including an endless traveling series of strip engagingv pins progressively engageable in succeeding longitudinally spaced holes in the forms, characterized by means for varying the extent of operation .of the feeding device independently of the extent of operation of the imprinting device.

18. A strip feeding and imprinting apparatus rwherein a succession of printed forms connected end to end in continuous succession and having therein longitudinally spaced feed holes are to be additionally imprinted in predetermined relation with the previously printed matter and are periodically advanced through a step by step movement past an imprinting position of such apparatus to receive imprinted legends thereon at predetermined spaced intervals by a pin type feeding device including an endless traveling series of strip engaging pins progressively engageablein succeeding longitudinally spaced holes in the forms, characterized by a trimmer for removing from the series connected forms the portionsthereof engaged by the feeding device, and a cutter for severing succeeding imprinted forms from the interconnected succession.

19. In an apparatus wherein `a succession of printedforms connected end to end in' continuous series are .having therein longitudinally spaced feed holesA are to 'be additionally imprinted in predetermined relation with the previously printed matter and are periodically advanced through a step by step movement past an imprinting position of forms connected. 'end to end in continuous succession and having to be imprinted'in predeter- -mined relation with the previously printed mat- 10 forms, and actuating means intermittently advancing the interconnected forms predeterminedl distances intermediate succeeding imprinting engagements to accurately register the succeeding` forms with the imprinting device,vand means for varying the extent of such movement intermediate printing operations.

21A strip feeding and imprinting apparatus wherein a length of impression receiving material having therein longitudinally spaced feed holes 20 is periodically advanced through la step by step movement past an imprinting position of such apparatus to receive imprinted legends thereon at predetermined spacd intervals bya pin type feeding device including an endless traveling series 25 of strip engaging pins progressively -engageable in succeeding longitudinally spaced holes in the strip, characterized by a driving means for the v feeding means, and printing device-for advancing the web in unison with the printing device 30 during a portion of the travel movement thereof and thereafter arresting the advance of the web during the remainder of the travel movement of the printing device. l

22. A strip feeding and imprinting apparatus 35 wherein a length of impression receiving material having therein longitudinally spaced feed holes is periodically advanced through a step by step movement ,past an imprinting position of such apparatus to receive imprinted legends thereon at predetermined spaced intervals bya pin type feeding device including an endless traveling series of strip engaging pins progressively engageable in succeeding longitudinally spaced holes in the strip, characterized by a travelling web during only a portion of its rotation, means for actuating the aligning and feeding means and the imprinting cylinder in unison during a part of the cycle of operation while the web and cylinder are in imprinting ensagement witheach other, and thereafter for a portion only of the remainder of the rotation of the cylinder.

23. A strip feeding and imprinting apparatus wherein a length of impression receiving material havingl therein longitudinally spaced feed holes is periodically advanced through a step by step movement past-an imprinting position of such apparatus to receive imprinted legends thereon at predetermined spaced intervals by a pin type feeding device including an endless traveling series of strip engaging pins progres'- sively engageable in succeeding longitudinally spaced holes in the strip, characterized by ya rotary imprinting cylinder engageable with the travelling web during only a portion of its rotation, means for actuating the aligning and feeding means and the imprinting cylinder in unison during a part of the cycle of operation while the web and cylinder are in imprinting engagement with` each other and for actuating the aligning and feeding means differentially With-the imprinting cylinder during the remainder ofthe rotation thereof.

24. A strip feeding and imprinting apparatus rotary imprinting cylinder engageable with the wherein a length of impression receiving material having therein longitudinally spaced feed holes is periodically advanced through a step by step movement past an. imprinting position of such apparatus to receive imprinted legends thereon at predetermined spaced intervals by a pin type feeding device including an endless traveling series of strip engaging pins progressively engageable in succeeding longitudinally spaced holes in the-strip, characterized by an actuating means for the strip feeding device by which the strip is advanced during only a portion of the interval between succeeding engagements of the imprinting device therewith. Y

25. A strip feeding and imprinting apparatus wherein a length of impression receiving material having therein -longitudinally spaced feed holes is periodically advanced through a step by step movement past an imprinting position of such apparatus `to receive imprinted legends thereon at predetermined spaced intervals by a pin type feeding device including an endless travcling series of strip engaging pins progressively engageable in succeeding longitudinally spaced holes in the strip, characterized by and control means for the strip feeding device by which the advancement of the strip is arrested during a portion of the interval between succeeding engagements of the imprinting device therewith.

26. A strip feeding and imprinting apparatus wherein a length of impression receiving material having therein longitudinally spaced feed holes is periodically advanced through a step by step movement past an imprinting position'of such apparatus to` receive imprinted legends therein at predetermined intervals by. a pin type feeding device includng an endless traveling se.-

' ries of strip engaging pins progressively engageable in succeeding longitudinally spaced holes in the strip, characterized by means for actuating the feeding deviceto advance the strip past an impression receiving position in synchronism with the imprinting operation during the engagement of the imprinting device therewith and for further non-synchronously advancing the imprinting device.

27. An imprinting apparatus wherein a continuous strip of material receives successive impressions at spaced intervals, an imprinting device,l an intermittently operative strip vfeeding device for advancing thepaper relative to the imprinting device past an impression receiving position, the advancement thereof being momentarily arrested between succeeding movements thereof, anda second continuously operative feeding device for drawing the strip' material from a source of supply and advancing it to the first msl mentioned feeding device` while maintaining a loop of slack material between said feeding devices, and means for actuating the respective feeding devices, one intermittently and the other continuously in synchronism with the imprinting device. y

28. In a strip feeding apparatus, the combination with an imprinting mechanism of dual/strip feeding means including an intermittently j/operated pin type feeding device having engagement in succeeding spaced holes in` the-strip for advancing the material through a step .by step motion past the imprinting position vand a second continuously operative pin type feeding' device also having engagement in succeeding spaced holes in the strip for drawing the strip material from a source of supply and advancing the with- 45 strip during intervals of non-engagement of the material to the mst mentioned feeding means while maintaining a loop of slack material therebetween, common actuating means for the feeding devices and meansdor ad-iustably varying .therate of feed of' one-feeding'device relative to n the other.

29. In a'strip feeding and imprinting apparatus wherein acontinuous strip of record material havin thereinv a-marginal succession of 'longilspaced feed holes is progressively' advanoedqby a pin type feeding device past an lmprintingposition' at which prescribed longitudinally spaced areas thereof receive imprinted leg- .ends and wherein the marginal punched area is removed subsequently to feeding engagement of the pin type feeding device with the longitudinally spaced holes and the remainder of the strip severed intermediate the imprinted areas into individual imprinted sheets, the combination with an imprinting device, a strip trimming device for removing punched margins thereof, and a strip severing' device, of a pin type feeding device common to the imprinting, trimming andsevering devices, and so constructed and arranged as to feed'the strip in timed relation with thegseveral vdevices to @resent 'prescribed longitudinally tudinally. spaced areas spaced areas thereof in registry with the imprint ingpositi'on coincident with the operation of the imprinting device and tov present other longitudinally spaced predetermined` areas thereof in accurate registry with the strip `severing device coincident with the operation thereof and for advancing the strip past the trimming device.

30. In a strip feeding and imprinting "apparatus wherein a continuous strip of record materialfhaving therein a marginal -succession of longitudinally spaced feed holes is progressiveiy advanced by a pin type feeding device past an imprinting position at which prescribed longithereof receive imprinted legends and wherein the marginal punched area is removed subsequently to feeding engagement of the pin type feeding device withv'the longitudinally spaced holes and the remainder of the strip severed intermediate the imprinted areas into individual imprinted sheets, astripdmprinting device, and a traveling pin type feeding device for progressively advancingA the strip past printingl position and successively registering prescribed longitudinally spaced areas therewith coincident with the operation of the imprinting.

' device to imprint'thereon a succession of legends at predetermined spaced intervals.

31. In a strip feeding and imprinting apparatus A wherein a continuous strip` of record material havingtherein a marginal'successlon of longitudinally spaced feedholes is progressively advanced by a pin type feeding device past' an imprinting position at which prescribed longitudinally spaced areas thereof receive imprintedv legends and wherein the marginal punched area is removed subsequently'tofeeding engagement oiL the pin type feeding device with the longitudi1 nally spaced holes and the remainder of the strip severed intermediate the imprinted areas into individual` ignprintedsheets, a strip severing device for transversely dividing the. stripat longitudinally spaced-intervals into a succession of individual sheets, and a traveling pin type feedand a pin 32. In astrip feeding and imprinting apparatus wherein a continuous strip of record material having therein a marginal succession of longitudinally spaced feed holes`is progressively advanced by a pin type feeding device past an imprinting position at -which prescribed longitudinally spaced areas thereof receive imprinted legends and wherein the marginal punched area is removed subsequently to feeding engagementof the pin type feeding device with the longitudinally spacedholes and the remainder of the strip severed intermediate the imprinted areas into` individual imprinted sheets, a strip trimming device, type feeding device engageable in the marginal holes of the strip for advancing the strip relative to the trimmer device in synchronism with the imprinting and severing of the strip at predetermined spaced intervals.. 1

33. A strip feeding and imprinting apparatus wherein a continuous strip of recordl material having therein a marginal succession of longitudinally spaced feed holes is progressively advanced by a pin type feeding device past an imprinting position at which successive prescribed areas of the strip areimprinted and wherein the punched marginalarea of the strip is removed subsequently to feeding engagement of the pin type feeding device with the longitudinally spaced holes and the strip transversely divided into a succession of individual sheets, characterized by 'a strip severing device, and a pin type feeding device associated therewith for progressively advancing the strip relative to the trimming device in synchronized relation with the imprinting and strip severing devices whereby predetermined longitudinally spaced areas will .be accurately registered with the imprinting device to receive imprinted impressions thereon and prescribed longitudinally spaced division lines will be accurately registered with the strip severing devlcefor division of successive portions from the main strip.

34. A strip feeding and imprinting apparatus wherein a continuous strip of record-material having therein a marginal succession of longitudinally spaced feed holes is progressivelyladvanced by a pin type feeding device past an imprinting position `at which successive prescribed areas of the strip are imprinted by engagement of a traveling pin type geding devicel in said feed holes and wherein 't e marginally punched area is removed subsequently to feeding engagement of the pin type feeding device with the longitudinallyspaced holes, characterized by a strip sevf j of'registerlng prescribed areas of the strip with' the imprinting position coincident with the operation of an imprinting device. l

` 35. A strip feeding and imprinting apparatus 'wherein a continuous strip of record material having therein a marginal succession .of longitudinally spaced feed holes is progressively advanced past an imprinting position at which successive prescribed areas of the strip are imprinted by engagement of a traveling pin type feeding device in said feed holes, and the strip subsequently transversely divided intermediate succeeding imwherein a strip of impression receiving material having therein longitudinally spaced feed holes is progressively advanced past an imprinting position of such apparatus to receive imprinted leg- `ends thereon at predetermined spaced intervals,

characterized by a pin'type feeding device including an endless traveling series ofv strip engaging pins progressively engageable in succeeding longitudinally spaced feed holes inthe strip for advancing the strip, an impression making apparatus for impressing the strip of material while the strip is being fed by said pin type feeding device, trimming means for removing the portions of the strip containing the longitudinally spaced feed holes in seriatim with the operation of the impression making apparatus, and a device for transversely dividing the printed and trimmed strip intol successive sheets.

37. A strip feeding and imprinting apparatus wherein a strip of impression receiving material having therein longitudinally spaced feed holes is progressively advanced by a pin type feeding device past an imprinting position' at which successive prescribed areas of the strip receive imprinted legends, and wherein portions of the strip containing the longitudinally spaced feed holes are removed bsequently to feeding engagement of the pin t feeding device with the longitudinally spaced holes, characterized 4by a pin type feeding device including an endless traveling series of strip engaging pins progressively engageable in succeeding longitudinally spaced feed holes in the strip for advancing thestrip, an impression making apparatus for imprinting the strip of material while the strip is being fedby said pin type feeding device, a trimming device for removing the portions of the strip containing the longitudinally spaced feed holes, said pin type feeding device being duofunctionally effective to progressively register prescribed areas of the strip with the imprinting position coincident with the operation of the impression making apparatus in addition to its function off;r advancing the strip past the trimming device for removing the portions of the strip containing the longitudinally spaced feed holes.

38. A strip feeding and imprinting apparatus wherein a strip of impressionreceiving material having therein longitudinally spaced feed holes is progressively advanced pastjan imprinting position at which successive prescribed areas of the: strip receive imprinted legends, characterized by a pin type feeding device including an endless traveling series of strip engaging pins progres-l sively engageablein succeedingN longitudinally spaced holes in the strip for advancing ithe strip,

an impression making apparatus for imprinting the strip of material while the strip is being fed 10 vby said pin type feeding device, a `device for transverselyv dividing .the printed strip lnt'o successive individual imprinted sheets at predetermined spaced intervals, said pin type feeding device being duofunctionally effective to progressively present predetermined longitudinally space division areas in accurate registry with the strip `dividing device coincident with the operation 'thereof in addition to its function of registering prescribed areas ofthe strip withv the imprinting position coincident with the operation of the impression making apparatus.

39. A strip feeding and imprinting apparatus' wherein a -strip of impression receiving material having therein longitudinally spaced 4feed holes is i progressively advanced by a pin type feeding device past an imprinting position at which successive prescribed areas of the strip receive imprinted legends, and wherein portions of the strip containing the longitudinally spaced feed holes are removedsubsequently to feeding engagement' of the pin type feeding device' with the longitudinally spaced holes and the remainder .of

the strip transversely divided into individual imprinted sheets, characterized by a pin type device including an endless traveling series of strip engagingpins progressively engageable in succeeding longitudinally spaced feed holes in the strip simultaneously with advancement of the strip, an

impression making apparatus for imprinting the f o stripv of material while the strip is being fed by said pin type feeding device, a trimming device for removing the portions of the strip containing thelongitudinally spaced feed holes, and a device for transversely dividing the printed strip 5 into successive individual imprinted sheets lat predetermined spaced intervals, said pin type feeding device being duofunctionally effective to progressively present predetermined longitudinally spaced division jareas in accurate registry withthe strip dividing device coincident with the operation thereof in addition to its function of registering prescribed areas of the strip with the imprinting-position coincident with the operation fof the impression making apparatus, and its function of advancing the strip past the trimming device for removing the portions of the strip oo ntaining the longitudinally spaced feed holes.

- JOHN Q. SHERMAN.

-CERTIFICA'IE 0F CORRECTION.

Patent No. 2,177,675. October 5l, 1959.

JOHN Q. SHERMAN.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed'specification of the above numbered patent requiring correctionas follows: Page 2, second column, line 7, after the word` "cylinder" insert a parenthesis; page 5, second column, line 19, for "cell" read bell; Apage 8, first column, line 27 claim 2l, before "driving" insert differentiahrand second column, line lO, claim 2h., before "actuating" insert intermittent; line 25, claim 25, strike out "and"; line 56, claim 26, for "therein" read thereon; line 57,v same claim, for "includng'f read including; and that the said Letters Patent shouldbe read with this correction rtherein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 19th day of December, A. D. 1959.

Henry Van Arsdale,

(Seal) Acting Commissioner of Patents. 

